Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the NRL won’t be given any “special arrangements” to aid their ambitious plan to recommence the season in May.
Morrison welcomed the NRL’s efforts to restart the suspended season after the shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, but warned against doing so hastily.
“I like the ambition. I like they are trying to get the show back on the road in some way,” Morrison said on The Nine Network on Tuesday.
“It will be subject to health advice and there will be no special arrangements.”
Morrison’s comments precede the NRL’s critical negotiations with broadcasters on Tuesday to discuss a modified competition.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys will meet with Nine while NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg sits down with Fox Sports.
Morrison welcomed the code’s plans to return.
“I like (that) the people are planning to try and get Australia back to normal,” Morrison said on the Seven Network.
“But obviously, all of these things will be subject to the health advice and the health clearances that are necessary.”
The NRL recently made public a letter from NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller which outlined the game’s ability to restart should it clear health hurdles.
Morrison said that health advice has to be paramount.
“I have no doubt that the NRL and the other codes understand that and they will comply with that,” Morrison said.
“But I welcome the fact that people are thinking ahead and working out ways they can get things back on stronger footing.
“That is certainly what we’re doing as a National Cabinet, whether it is the economy or health or any of these issues.”